On January 8, 2025, the China-US High-Level Dialogue on Exhibitions and Events was held in Tianjin during the 20th China Expo Forum for International Cooperation (CEFCO). Attending the event were Vice Chairperson Li Qingshuang of the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT), Chuck Grouzard, Chairperson of the International Association of Exhibitions and Events (IAEE), Marsha Flanagan, President and CEO of IAEE, as well as Vincent Polito, CEO of the Society of Independent Show Organizers (SISO).
The dialogue focused on topics including the overall situation of the exhibition industry in both China and the U.S., opportunities and challenges faced by the convention and exhibition (C&E) industry in both countries and the important role of industry associations in boosting cooperation in this sector between the two countries. The aim is to enhance exchanges and interactions between Chinese and US C&E sectors and to promote the sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations.
Participants unanimously agreed that there are many areas and broad space for bilateral cooperation in the C&E industry. They pledged to make good use of major platforms such as the CEFCO and the IAEE annual meeting to strengthen communication and exchange and increase mutual understanding and trust. They will leverage their respective roles and influence to address each other’s concerns, fostering a favorable environment for China-US cooperation in the C&E industry. Furthermore, they expressed their intention to step up exchanges and mutual learning and deepen cooperation in such areas as the development of new ideas regarding exhibitions, personnel training, standard setting, and information exchange, striving for more practical outcomes. These efforts will make positive contributions to mutually beneficial cooperation in the C&E industry between China and the U.S., sound development of bilateral economic and trade relations, and delivery of benefits to the two peoples.
Co-hosted by the CCPIT and the IAEE, the dialogue saw the participation of over 20 leaders from prestigious exhibition enterprises, chambers of commerce, and business associations from both countries. Among them were the China International Exhibition Center Group Corporation, the China Air Transport Association, the National Business Aviation Association, Emerald Holding, Inc., the Global Experience Specialists (GES), the Informa Markets North America, and the International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.
